A Gentler Lindy Ruff

from Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News, Just before the season, Lindy Ruff pulled his leaders aside and told them they needed to take over the Buffalo Sabres’ dressing room. He made it clear that he was finished barking after every poor performance. This was their team, he told them, and taking ownership was their responsibility. It was as if Ruff recognized that his style had grown stale, that he knew adjustments were required if his team was going to go anywhere. He has said numerous times this season that the Sabres’ core is no longer a bunch of kids. They’re pros who know what’s needed to win and should be treated accordingly. Ruff hasn’t undergone a total makeover, but the shift in his approach has been obvious all year. The little things don’t seem to bother him as much as they did in past seasons. He’s been quick to compliment his players in practice. He’s giving them more leeway rather than stand over them with a firm hand. continued